Strike action at Drax power station ends after union secures 16 per cent pay increase for lowest paid workers

In a statement, Unite said: “Following the initial industrial action, fresh negotiations were held and Drax, which is highly profitable, made an improved pay offer. The new offer over a nine month period with back pay equates to an increase of 16 per cent for the lowest paid workers. Following a ballot of members the new offer was accepted.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was an excellent increase for Unite members at Drax, who by showing unity and standing up to their employer secured a vastly improved pay increase.

“The pay increase at Drax demonstrates how Unite’s absolute commitment to focus on jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for members.”

Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said: “Special credit must go to the Unite reps at Drax, without their hard work and commitment this pay victory would not have been possible.”

The pay deal covers the workers only based in Yorkshire, the Drax Hydro dispute is separate, Unite said.

A Drax spokesperson said “Drax Power Station generates renewable electricity for millions of homes and businesses, and we welcome Unite’s decision to end their industrial action and accept our full and final pay offer on behalf of their collective contract members.”

Drax said it was a “ high-paying employer, and our pay benchmarking places us in the upper quartile in the market”.